Three CQ Capras players ready to do regional Qld proud in rugby league showdown

Tori Dakin caps standout season with selection in the under-17 girls team to tackle City rivals. Country coach Amanda Ohl reveals what it meant to her young charge here.

Teen sensation Tori Dakin has capped a breakout year with selection in the Queensland Country under-17 girls rugby league team.

The 16-year-old was named in the 18-member squad after impressing with the CQ Capras at the Central Regional Carnival in Toowoomba in July.

Her performances caught the eye of Queensland Maroons women’s coach and QRL female pathways coach Tahnee Norris who was quickly on the phone to Country coach Amanda Ohl in Rockhampton to find out more about the young gun.

Dakin and her Country teammates will take on their City rivals at Moreton Daily Stadium on September 24.

Tori Dakin was a standout for the CQ Capras under-17 team at the Central Regional Carnival.

The game will be a part of a four-match program which also features the under-17 boys equivalent, as well as the Hostplus Cup and Hastings Deering Colts grand finals.

Fellow Capras Mutua Brown and Connor Hinds are in the Queensland Country boys team, coached by former Queensland Maroons forward Antonio Kaufusi.

Ohl, who took the CQ Capras women to the final of the BMD Premiership in 2022, is at the helm of the Country side for her second year.

CQ Capras' player Mutua Brown has been selected in the Queensland Country under-17 boys team. Clubmate Connor Hinds is also in the line-up.

She is hoping the team can go back-to-back after winning a thriller 22-20 last year in a game in which Central Queensland duo Alenna Whipp and Lillian Yarrow shone.

Ohl said it was a wonderful opportunity for Dakin, a Rockhampton Tigers junior who had really come into her own in season 2022.

“It’s really been a breakout year for her,” Ohl said.

“She’s had a good year throughout for club and Capras so she’s really put some effort into her game.”

Tori Dakin in action with her club side, the Rockhampton Tigers.

The Country players were notified of their selection by email but Ohl spoke with Dakin on Monday night.

“She was my first phone call. They’re the kind of calls you want to make,” she said.

“She was over the moon. There were tears so that’s how much it means to her. She’s super excited.

“I’ve no doubt she’ll give it everything and leave nothing in the tank down there.”

Ohl said Dakin would play a middle forward for Country.

“She’s fit, she’s fast off the mark, she’s a really strong ball runner and she’s hitting the advantage line,” she said.

CQ Capras women’s Amanda Ohl will coach the Queensland Country under-17 girls team for the second year in a row.

“We’ve got a really strong forward pack - they’re mobile and quick so I’m excited to see how they go.”

The Country and City teams will have a week-long camp leading into their games.

Ohl said as well as an on-field focus there would also be educational aspects including mental health, nutrition and wellbeing.

“It really is dipping your toe into what it’s like to be a professional athlete and what it takes to compete week in, week out at this level.

“It is probably one of the best experiences in rugby league that players can go through at such a young age, something so pivotal in their careers.”